Despite rain Memorial Day ceremony marches on

By HOMER MARQUEZ Herald News Editor

Published 10:43 am, Monday, May 26, 2014

Photo: Courtesy Photo/Dr. Charles Starnes

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Ralph Langley watches on as American Legion Auxiliary Post 260 Chaplain Jerree McKeeman pins a Memorial Day poppy on U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebaur. On Monday, a crowd braved the elements to honor the nation’s valiant defenders during Plainview Memorial Day services. Check out more photos of the ceremony on myplainview.com. less

Ralph Langley watches on as American Legion Auxiliary Post 260 Chaplain Jerree McKeeman pins a Memorial Day poppy on U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebaur. On Monday, a crowd braved the elements to honor the nation’s ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photo/Dr. Charles Starnes

Despite rain Memorial Day ceremony marches on

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As thunder boomed overhead and rain drenched those in attendance Monday morning, no one was complaining as the community honored the many sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.

“Thank God for the rain and thank God for the men and women of our military,” said U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, who was guest speaker during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Plainview Cemetery.

“God has blessed and we are thankful that we are able to set aside a day to honor those who have sacrificed for our country. Freedom isn’t free, and some have given up everything for our liberty and our freedom. Freedom is not inherited, and generation after generation have had to sacrifice to maintain it.”

The 19th District congressman told about taking his son to war memorials in Washington and explaining that many were not that much older than him.

“I showed him the 58,000 names on the (Vietnam) Wall. It’s important we teach the younger people the price they paid for their freedom. We need to honor them every day. We remember, we revere and we reflect.”

Following Neugebauer’s speech, Plainview Councilman Dr. Charles Starnes, master of ceremonies, called for the laying of the wreaths.

The American Legion Post 260 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 260 were represented by Joe Mojica and Theta Vaughn. Michael Carroll represented the B.P.O.E. No. 1175. A wreath to honor all Holocaust victims was placed by Anna Januta, and Dorothy Yarbrough placed a wreath for disabled veterans.

A rendition of “God Bless America” was performed by Sandra Tolson, and the opening and benediction prayer was offered by Arturo Hinojosa.